Confession Guide
A complete guide to preparing for and going to Confession, including a thorough examination of conscience.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
— 1 John 1:9
In Confession, we encounter the mercy of God in a profound way. Christ gave the Apostles the power to forgive sins (John 20:23), and this ministry continues through priests today. No sin is too great for God's mercy.
How to Go to Confession
Examine Your Conscience
Before confession, spend time in prayer reviewing your sins since your last confession. Use the examination of conscience below.
Enter the Confessional
You may confess face-to-face or behind a screen — your choice. Kneel or sit as directed.
Begin with the Sign of the Cross
The priest will greet you. Make the Sign of the Cross and say: "Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been [time] since my last confession."
Confess Your Sins
Tell the priest your sins clearly and completely. Include the kind and number of mortal sins. Don't be afraid — priests have heard everything.
Listen to the Priest
The priest may offer counsel or ask questions. He will then give you a penance — usually prayers or an act of charity.
Pray the Act of Contrition
Express sorrow for your sins. The priest will then say the words of absolution: "I absolve you from your sins..."
Complete Your Penance
Do the penance the priest assigned as soon as possible. Thank God for His mercy and resolve to avoid sin.
Act of Contrition
Pray this (or a similar prayer) when the priest asks
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
Examination of Conscience
Go through each commandment slowly, asking the Holy Spirit to bring to mind anything you need to confess.
First Commandment
“I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods before me.”
- •Have I doubted or denied the existence of God?
- •Have I failed to nourish my faith by neglecting prayer, spiritual reading, or religious instruction?
- •Have I been involved in superstitious practices — fortune telling, horoscopes, Ouija boards?
- •Have I received Holy Communion in a state of mortal sin?
- •Have I despaired of God's mercy?
- •Have I placed excessive trust in money, career, or relationships over God?
Second Commandment
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”
- •Have I used God's name carelessly or as a curse?
- •Have I blasphemed or spoken irreverently about sacred things?
- •Have I broken oaths or vows made to God?
- •Have I shown disrespect in church or during prayer?
Third Commandment
“Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day.”
- •Have I missed Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation through my own fault?
- •Have I arrived late or left early from Mass without a serious reason?
- •Have I been inattentive at Mass or distracted others?
- •Have I done unnecessary work on Sundays that prevented rest and worship?
Fourth Commandment
“Honor your father and your mother.”
- •Have I disobeyed, disrespected, or spoken harshly to my parents?
- •Have I failed to help my parents when they are in need?
- •Have I caused them worry or anxiety by my behavior?
- •Have I neglected my duties to my spouse or children?
- •Have I failed to provide good example or religious education for my children?
- •Have I been disrespectful to legitimate authorities?
Fifth Commandment
“You shall not kill.”
- •Have I physically harmed anyone or wished harm upon them?
- •Have I had an abortion or encouraged someone to have one?
- •Have I abused alcohol or drugs?
- •Have I given scandal or led others into sin?
- •Have I held hatred or refused to forgive someone?
- •Have I bullied, humiliated, or mocked others?
- •Have I neglected my own health through poor eating, lack of sleep, or overwork?
- •Have I considered or attempted suicide?
Sixth & Ninth Commandments
“You shall not commit adultery. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.”
- •Have I engaged in sexual activity outside of marriage?
- •Have I used artificial contraception?
- •Have I viewed pornography?
- •Have I engaged in impure thoughts, looks, or conversations?
- •Have I committed adultery or flirted inappropriately?
- •Have I dressed immodestly to attract attention?
- •Have I committed sins against chastity, alone or with others?
Seventh & Tenth Commandments
“You shall not steal. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods.”
- •Have I stolen anything or kept something that doesn't belong to me?
- •Have I been dishonest in business or cheated anyone?
- •Have I failed to pay debts or wages?
- •Have I damaged another's property?
- •Have I been envious of others' possessions, talents, or success?
- •Have I been greedy or excessively attached to material things?
- •Have I wasted money or lived extravagantly while others are in need?
- •Have I failed to give to the poor or to support my parish?
Eighth Commandment
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
- •Have I lied?
- •Have I gossiped or revealed others' faults unnecessarily?
- •Have I damaged someone's reputation by spreading true but private information?
- •Have I judged others rashly or assumed the worst?
- •Have I failed to defend someone who was being attacked?
- •Have I broken a confidence or told secrets?
- •Have I been hypocritical — pretending to be better than I am?
Ready to Go?
Most parishes offer Confession at least once a week, often on Saturdays. Many priests will also hear confessions by appointment.
Download as PDF
Get this examination of conscience as a printable PDF to bring with you to Confession.
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